Building of Hope

On target to open

2012-02-17T09:33:00.000Z

THEfourth and final group of volunteers for the Migombani school for the blind andvisually impaired project are on-site and working like Trojans.

Barebuildings are being transformed by the minute as a small army with rollers andpaintbrushes swarm all over the site. Inside, hammers and drills announce thehanging of doors and final fixings.

Itwas a long, hot journey for the volunteers and a long, hopeful journey for thechildren of the school, but at last we’re almost there and on-track for theofficial opening on February 24^th.

Overthe last two years, there were moments when many volunteers felt ready to giveup, when fundraising was difficult and only the generosity of those people whosupported the events and collections kept us going.

Thelast time we were here, it was to build a polytechnic for the young people ofthe Migombani parish and that project seemed daunting when we first saw it.

Butthis week, back under the Kenyan sun for a second time, we are meeting oldfriends, seeing children grown tall and it’s like coming home.

Thewelcome the group got on Thursday, having traveled through the night, restoredeveryone’s spirits. Feet that were too tired to walk were dancing.

Andour motivation, if we need any, is he change we have seen in the children atthe school since the last time we were here. Their excitement is palpable, as we get closer to theirbeing able to move in to their new home. They smile warmly and reach out totouch volunteer’s hands.

Whenthe going gets hot and tough, we have only to look at the plants, which havebeen selected to be planted around the new building. They were all grown at thepolytechnic. Some things just keep on giving.

Day Three for Group Two and massive progress takes place on the roof and grounds!

2012-01-27T08:24:00.000Z

It’s Day Three here for Group Two andmassive progress takes place on the roof and grounds. Huge preparations havegone into roof getting all ready for the sheeting to go on. We rise at 4.40am, breakfast, bus and on sitefor 6am as dawn breaks. As witnessed by the 200 volunteers from the 2010project here in Mombasa this school and living conditions were awful andunacceptable. But, thanks to the 200 new volunteers, many returning from 2010for generous giving of time and talents, incredible change is taking place forthe children. Again, through the generosity of the Irish we are able to employsome local people to help with this enormous project. As the volunteers makenew friends on site it is a miracle what can be done when people work togetherin a Spirit of giving.

The Building Of Hope 2012 Likoni New School and Residential Home for Blind Children

2012-01-17T09:02:00.001Z

It’s Day Four the blocks are rising underthe hot African sun. The first group of fifty volunteers are busy block-laying.We rise at 4.40am, breakfast, bus and on site for 6am as dawn breaks. Aswitnessed by the 200 volunteers from the 2010 project here in Mombasa thisschool and living conditions were appalling. But, thanks to the 200 Volunteersfor generous giving of time and talent life will change incredible for the childrenhere in the next few weeks. As we work together we get first-hand experience oflife and living here in Africa. Again, through the generosity of the Irishpeople we are able to employ some local people to help with this enormousproject. As the volunteers make new friends on site it is a miracle to see whatcan be done when people work together in a spirit of giving.

187 Volunteers at the Old Ground Hotel with Derek Davis.

2011-12-21T21:11:00.002Z

With just over six weeks left until they leave on alife-changing mission to build a boarding school for blind children in Kenya,volunteers with the Clare-based Building of Hope charity were told of the bigchallenge that lies ahead for them at an information meeting in Ennis lastweek-end.

Almost half the volunteers are from Clare and 187 of themwere in the Old Ground Hotel on Saturday night to hear details of the plan tobuild a school for the children who are sleeping 60 to a room in their crampedliving accommodation at the Likoni school outside the city of Mombasa.

Building of Hope patron Derek Davis told the volunteers thatthere was great credit due to them for making such a fantastic effort in raisingnot just the cost of their flights and accommodation but also the cost ofbuilding materials.

Project co-ordinator Olive Halpin said that the 15,000square foot building would provide residential accommodation for 189 children,incorporating a special care unit for children with multiple disabilities suchas autism or epilepsy. It will be completed within six weeks with each team ofvolunteers responsible for a specific phase of the project during their ten-daytour of duty.

She said it was heart-warming night to see so many peoplegather together to help children who have been living in such terribleconditions in a far away land.

The meeting was also addressed by Brian Allen, chiefexecutive of St. Joseph’s Centre for the Visually Impaired, who will overseethe transition from the old buildings to the new facility. He said the buildingwould match the standard of similar facilities in any European country and theywould supervise and provide the rollout of professional training to theschool staff in the areas of mobility and self-care skills.

“The resources provided to the children will upskill them inIT skills, braille and other communication tools for the blind. Avocational training programme for the older children will be sourced locallythrough the polytechnic beside the school, “ he said.

He paid tribute to all the committee for all the hard workthey had put into the project over the past year. Highlighting the fact thatthey all work on a voluntary basis, he said that every penny raised for theproject goes to the project.

The first team of volunteers will travel to Likoni onJanuary 13 to lay blocks and build to roof level. The second team will travelon January 24 to roof the building and carry out plumbing and electrical works.The third team will travel on February 4 with plasterers, plumbers, carpentersand electricians completing the construction work. The final group will travelout on February 15 to floor, landscape, paint and tile. A group ofenvironmental health officers will also travel to train the catering andancillary staff on site.

Castlerahan Building of Hope 5k Run Sunday November 27th

2011-11-28T13:29:00.001Z



Placing	Race Number	Name	Time
1	283	Patrick Cassidy	18.06
2	280	Sean McCabe	18.26
3	225	Patrick Stafford	18.39
4	231	Barry O'Regan	19.31
5	273	Brian O'Reilly	19.39
6	234	Francis McManus	19.46
7	325	Declan McCabe	19.47
8	221	Eileen Rahill	19.54
9	239	Stephen Smith	20.09
10	228	Laurence Briody	20.16
11	284	David Cunningham	20.29
12	230	Maurice Murphy	20.31
13	281	Andy Harrington	20.39
14	245	Dermot Gibson	20.59
15	285	Seamus Carroll	21.01
16	272	Maureen Getty	21.02
17	287	Kevin Brady	21.29
18	226	Peter Cork	21.45
19	236	Michael Smith	21.50
20	324	Shane McCabe	22.02
21	275	Mary Henry	22.05
22	219	Anne Lynch	22.08
23	268	Owen McPhillips	22.37
24	211	Marie Smith	23.00
25	286	James Smith	23.27
26	255	Paul Smith	23.37
27	265	Andrew Browne	23.52
28	276	David Meade	24.02
29	271	Kathleen Connors	24.19
30	300	Alan Mulvey	24.28
31	237	Deirdre Craughan	24.44
32	212	Deirdre Shione	24.47
33	213	Suzanne Forde	25.00
34	318	Martin Flood	25.09
35	282	Kit McBride	25.09
36	235	Philomena Bradley	25.28
37	322	Fergal Reilly	25.40
38	214	John Forde	25.41
39	319	Pardie McDonnell	25.42
40	258	Ursula Farrelly	25.48
41	306	Edel McDonnell	25.50
42	232	Elaine Caffrey	25.52
43	291	Kieran Callaghan	25.52
44	243	Michelle Irvine	26.08
45	321	Karen Tobin	26.14



Placing	Race Number	Name	Time
46	238	Karen Craughan	26.18
47	210	Mary Govern	26.32
48	233	Maria Monaghan	26.48
49	240	Joanne Tynan	27.03
50	208	Anna Govern	27.32
51	224	Yvonne Stafford	27.35
52	218	Rita Hannon	27.38
53	259	Grainne Reilly	28.25
54	252	Lorainne Timmins	28.34
55	320	Margie Nulty	28.52
56	215	Olivia Kenny	29.22
57	241	Niamh McCabe	29.24
58	261	Florence Snell	29.37
59	217	Lolita Black	29.49
60	269	Donal Meade	30.10
61	279	Fintan Smith	30.31
62	278	Michelle Smith	30.31
63	229	Cynthia Moran	31.02
64	227	Sarah Coyle	31.25
65	254	Ciara Smith	34.16
66	294	Johnny Callaghan	34.52
67	267	Roisin McDaid	37.50
68	266	Emma Clerkin	37.50
69	244	Brid Dobson	39.03
70	335	Maura Brady	39.04
71	216	Nickie Rowley	39.36
72	270	Christine Meade	41.00
73	247	Desmond Smith	41.51
74	297	Brenda Flynn	42.31
75	262	Patricia McEnroe	42.31
76	312	Dymphna Walsh	42.59
77	314	Pamela Ryan	42.59
78	304	Anita Clarke	43.01
79	315	Particia Mason	43.01
80	316	Michelle Blake	43.02
81	303	Annmarie Grall	43.18
82	301	Martin Brady	43.18
83	323	Rose Melia	44.15
84	326	Pauline McEnroe	44.15
85	293	Eileen Lynch	44.16
86	249	Martine King	44.16
87	251	Noel King	44.41
88	317	Concepta Farrelly	44.41
89	337	Helen Brouder	44.46
90	313	Ruth Sheridan	44.46
91	341	Jean Caffrey	45.25



Placing	Race Number	Name	Time
92	311	Martina Fitzsimons	45.26
93	274	Deborah Coyle	46.10
94	330	Marie Boylan	46.10
95	329	Patricia Flood	46.10
96	307	Aileen Barkey	46.21
97	256	Therese Smith	47.18
98	333	Patricia Hill	47.52
99	334	Elizabeth Boylan	47.53
100	336	Eugene Hill	47.53
101	209	Michelle Reilly Monaghan	47.59
102	302	Lisa Lynch	47.59
103	339	Martina Bates	48.09
104	338	Janet Kenny	48.09
105	298	Kieran Flynn	48.11
106	305	Noel Barkey	48.11
107	257	Andrew Smith	48.30
108	309	Pauline Farrelly	48.56
109	308	Carmel Horgan	48.57
110	331	Marie Boylan	50.13
111	277		50.13
112	288	Eileen Caldwell	50.56
113	289	Conor Caldwell	51.10
114	290	Teresa Treacy	51.17
115	296	Patricia Callaghan	52.06
116	223	Kathleen Flynn	52.07
117	328	Ann Caffrey	52.07
118	327	Helen McCabe	52.08
119	340	Caroline Farrelly	52.13
120	295	Patsy Callaghan	52.14
121	299	Eamonn Heery	53.12
122	332	Eugene Kenny	58.12
123	222	Paddy Smith	53.24

Charity 5km Run & Fun Walk

2011-11-09T04:55:00.001Z

The Morriston Orpheus Choir - FUNDRAISING CONCERT

2011-10-27T07:29:00.000+01:00

FUNDRAISING CONCERT

Following their sold out debut

Performance in 2009

Direct from Wales

TheMorriston Orpheus Choir

At St. John’s Church, Kilkenny

OnSaturday, 5^th. November, 2011 at 8.00 p.m.

“Fivestanding ovations at Carnegie Hall, New York”

Tickets€20.00

Availablefrom Billy Murphy 086/3262446

.............................................................................................................................................

KINSALE NEWS (Cork)

FUNDRAISING CONCERT

Following their sold out debut

Performance in 2009

Direct from Wales

TheMorriston Orpheus Choir

At St. Multose Church, Kinsale

OnSunday, 6^th November, 2011 at8.00 p.m.

“Fivestanding ovations at Carnegie Hall, New York”

Tickets€20.00

Availablefrom The White House, Kinsale

Progress at the site!

2011-10-27T07:14:00.000+01:00

Hallo to All Irish People,

How are you and how are your families? It hasbeen long since we last communicated, and have decided to say hallo to you alland to thank you for your efforts and sacrifice towards the work going on atschool for the blind site. Time has gone very fast and it is only twocomplete months remaining before we meet again. We thank God for keepingus all alive and healthy. I have been sending photos, being updates on what is happening at the site at Likoni, School for the blind.

Tomorrow we shall lay the slab on one of thedormitories God willing and we thank God for this far we are.

You bear mewitness that the progress at the site has been encouraging and we hope tocontinue with the same spirit with the second dormitory which is the lastphoto, whose trenches has already been dug.

However my dear friends, i wish you all the bestand i pray that God will enable us meet once again 2012.

Thank you and may the Almighty bless and keepyou well.

Bye for now.

Lucy

Stage 1 - Building of Hope Project 2012

2011-10-23T10:18:00.000+01:00

All the children have been moved to temporary accommodation. Our Project Architect Jim Lynch is in Mombasa at the moment doing the preparatory work for our trip in January/February, 2012. The site has been cleared in preparation for the laying of the foundations. You will see from the following photographs that this is happening because of all the fundraising efforts by the volunteers. Keep an eye on the website for updates.

2011-10-11T23:02:00.001+01:00

Just to remind everyone of the Fundraiser for the Building of Home/School for Blind Orphans in Kenya is on next Friday 14th in Bojangles Harcourt St. 8pm.

Tickets €10 includes live entertainment, disco and finger food.

Please support.

All money raised going directly to Project. A great night in store. RSVP as I need numbers for food order. A BIG THANKS TO ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

2011-10-11T19:54:00.000+01:00

INFORMATION NIGHT FOR VOLUNTEERS

SATURDAY, 26TH NOVEMBER AT 7.30 P.M.OLD GROUND HOTEL, ENNIS, CO CLARE

All aspects of our Jan/Feb 2012 project will be discussed and volunteers will have an opportunity to view the plans.

The Building of Hope Committee are looking forward to meeting all the volunteers on the night.

A Fancy Dress Disco at the Hillgrove Hotel, Monaghan Town, Co. Monaghan.

2011-09-08T15:29:00.001+01:00

Neven Maguire Cookery Demonstration

2011-09-06T20:52:00.001+01:00

Table Quiz in aid of Building of Hope Project Kenya 2012

2011-08-30T15:42:00.000+01:00

Marian McMahon, Kanturk who is volunteering for the above project is holding a fundraising Table QuizVenue at Bogdale House, Kilmaley. Date: Saturday 24th September @ 9.30pmTeams of 3: €20. Raffle on the nightYour support is appreciated! All Welcome.

FINAL 50 VOLUNTEERS URGENTLY NEEDED FOR OUR 2012 PROJECT

2011-08-14T14:47:00.003+01:00

To date 150trades people have signed up to build the residential home for blind orphanedchildren in Mombasa, Kenya. All the volunteers are busyfundraising and the response across Ireland has been fantastic. To date we have volunteers from Clare,Monaghan, Galway, Carlow, Kilkenny, Dublin, Louth, Tipperary, Cork, Limerick,Laois, Wicklow, Donegal, Cavan, Leitrim, Mayo, Kildare. There will be great competition among theblocklayers to see which county puts up the most blocks. Our aim is to haveevery county in Irelandrepresented on this project so maybe YOU are the volunteer that will fly theflag for your county.

All thevolunteers are busy fundraising. The people of Irelandhave been so supportive and generous to the volunteers and the Building of Hope Committee would like to say a bigthank you to all the volunteers and their supporters.

UPCOMING FUNDRAISERS

2011-06-12T16:59:00.000+01:00

Don Ryan has organised a quiz night in Flashes, the Tailrace Bar in Parteen.
A great night of fun is promised and there will be finger food as well, making the outing great value for €10 a head.
“We’ll have tables of four so its forty Euros a table and I’ll have spot prizes on the night,” said Don.
The quiz night takes place on July 2 starting at 8.30pm.
Anyone who would like to donate a spot prize should contact the Tailrace Bar after 4pm on 061-451527. Anyone who wants to go along and support Don can pay in on the night.

KILMALEY woman, Emma Healy got a little help from her friends....by Bernie English

2011-06-12T16:56:00.005+01:00

KILMALEY woman, Emma Healy got a little help from her friends – fifteen of them to be precise – last week when she went to run the Flora Mini Marathon in Dublin.
The Clare ladies organised themselves to run alongside Emma and raise sponsership for her trip as a volunteer with the Building of Hope next year.
“They were absolutely fantastic and we had a great day,” said Emma, who works in Ennis General Hospital.
But this is not the first time she has been given a helping hand, or in a recent case a helping, head, chest and lots of legs.
“We had a waxathon and fair play to them, the Kilmaley United soccer team turned out to be waxed and shaved. One chap got his whole head of hair and beard shaved off, another got his chest waxed and lots of them got their legs waxed – it was a brilliant night,” Emma told The Clare People.
Also helping on the night at the Bogdale House in Kilmaley were pals, Lorraine Tuohy and Anne Killeen who fed the starving hoardes as well as Emma’s sister Martina who did the waxing and local barber Joey Woulfe, who took care of the shaving.
Now Emma – who teaches Irish dancing to adults and children – is planning a fundraising ceili for October 14 in the Auburn Lodge when Michael Sexton’s two-piece ceili band will be playing.
The fun starts at 9.30pm.
This will be 27-year old Emma’s first trip to Africa and she doesn’t know. As yet, what she will be doing.
“Olive told me it could be anything but she did ask me to bring my dancing shoes to teach some of the local kids how to do a bit of dancing.”

Charlie McGrath will take the scorching heat in Kenya in his stride.....by Bernie English

2011-05-28T12:29:00.003+01:00

AFTER 41 years of firefighting in Kilkee, Charlie McGrath will take the scorching heat in Kenya in his stride. Charlie will be retiring as station master this coming December, having spent his whole life in ther service of the community.
But far from taking a well-deserved rest, Charlie’s first plan is to get on a plane and travel with the Building of Hope volunteers to make life better for the children at the School for the Blind and Visually impaired in Migombani.
A Kilkee man born and bred, Charlie will celebrate his 60th birthday in January with his family before jetting off to Kenya in February with the last group of volunteers to make the building ship-shape.
After the last project in which volunteers built a polytechnic in the parish of Cranny priest, Fr Martin Keane, the Clare building vrew was so moved by the plight of the blind children that they vowed to come back and help.
The project in January will replace their comfortless living accomodation, bunks with no sheets, broken showers, filthy toilets and open-fire cooking area with bright, modern facilities.
“I’ve always wanted to do something like this,” Charlie told The Clare People. “Now is my chance. A Friend of mine went on the last project and he came back and told me all about it and I said, right, that’s what I’m going to do now that I have the time and the chance.”
Charlie has attended more than 3,000 fires in his time with the service and seen his fair share of tragedy. But that hasn’t stopped him wanting to make the world a better place and so he’s off to Kenya.
“I’ve never been to Africa before so I’m really looking forward to it.
I’m not a builder but I’ll be painting and helping finish the project in the last group going out,” he said.
To kick off his fund-raising Charlie has organised a great night of music and dancing in Garrihys of Moyasta.
Pj Murrihy will be providing the music on the night and there are lots of great spot prizes. Doors open 9.30pm and entry to the fun night in a good cause is just €7.

Gerry O’Malley fundraise for 2012 Project......by Bernie English.

2011-05-28T12:22:00.002+01:00

Fr Martin Keane from Cranny takes a close interest in everything that goes on in his Kenyan parish but the organisers of a special fund-raiser for the Building of Hope are a tad relieved that the latest project there does not directly involve him. “I’m not sure how appropriate it would be to hold a Vicar’s and Tart’s night for a project Fr Martin is closely involved with,” said Cree volunteer, Marion O’Malley.
When Gerry O’Malley came back from the last Building of Hope project in Kenya in Fr Martin’s parish, his wife Marion and their friends didn’t expect that he would be so moved by the plight of children he saw at another school there.
“People would ask him how he got on, probably expecting him to say ‘grand’ but instead it would become and hour long conversation – it was so interesting. I’ve never seen him so affected by anything.” said Marion.
After returning from Kenya and the building of a ploytechnic for Fr Martin and seeing conditions in the nearby School for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Migombani, Gerry from Cree and two other volunteers, Michael Lillis also from Cree, and Michael Haugh from Doonbeg had all become firm friends. The three were determined to go back and make life better for the blind children.
A project like Building of Hope was always something Marion wanted to do and the three veteran volunteer’s sheer involvement and conviction that the children need a new home got Gerry’s friend, Paul Rees from Kinaboy and pal, Tina Fitzgerald from Ennis involved.
The six decided they would club together in their efforts at fundraising to reach the ambitious target of €18,000 between them and so began a series of Thursday night planning meetings.
Their first fundraiser wsa golf clasic held in Eniis Golf course on May 14 and a night of fantastic music and dance was held with the Kilfenora Ceili Band and friends at the weekend in the Auburn Lodge.
Both were a great success.
“We’de really like to thank everyone who helped or supported us. It was agreat night and people were so generous,” Marion said.
But the push dosn’t stop there and now the six amigos are planning two golf Four Ball outings, one in Spanish Point and one in Kilrush on June 18 and July 16 respectively.
And going from sport to having great sport, they are also planning a Vicar’s and Tart’s night in the Claremont Disco in Lahinch on July 29.
“Tina’s husband, Ger Fizgerald is giving us the disco and there will be music in the front bar as well on the night. We asked all the younger crew what sort of theme we could have for the night to make it a bit of fun. We got a lot of suggestions like a beach party and one of the young ones suggested the Vicars and Tarts and everyone thought it would be great fun.”
On the night, Willow in Ennis have kindly sponsered a Guess designer handbag for the tartiest tart and a Ennis Fuji Center are sponsering a digital camera for the vicar with the shiniest halo!
Tickets for the disco and registration for the Four Ball are available from Mc Carthy’s garage Milltown, from Marion at 086-2600844, Tina 085 -7645910, or by contacting any of the volunteers.

Geoff Fitzpatrick Volunteer on Project 2012 - Likoni School for the Blind.

2011-01-15T07:11:00.001Z

Why I am doing the Building of Hope Project 2012 – Geoff Fitzpatrick Volunteer Kenya 2010
Sometimes in life you get a chance to do the right thing. A chance to be brave and to make a change. To change your life, and the lives of other people for the better. You can walk away or take a chance.

In 2010 volunteers from the Building of Hope project had a chance to do the right thing. We travelled on 3 flights from Shannon and Dublin. We were tired, jet lagged and grumpy when we got to the welcoming party at Migombani. As we got off the bus, we saw the Likoni School for the blind. We knew it was the school because it was written on the wall but also because we saw the blind kids behind a wire fence, listening with intent to all the commotion and noise. They listened to the strange foreign voices, absorbed the smells and reached out to touch hands. The volunteers took photographs and moved along with the welcoming party.

A week later as we boarded a bus home, weary from the day’s work. Olive suggested we call into the Blind School. The buses drove in and we got off. The school was a number of concrete buildings, run down and sad. The classrooms were sad. The bedrooms were sad. This was no place for sighted kids let alone blind kids.

We walked along a pathway to the assembly hall at the back. As we approached there was a hushed silence. We walked into the room and were hit by a train of sound, kids clapping and singing as loud as they could.

“We welcome, we welcome, we welcome, you today”. A hundred thousand welcomes. The kids poured out love and joy as we walked into the hall. They sang songs - soul songs. Songs of hope. We clapped and we cried - tears of joy and tears of shame. In all this darkness there was hope. Our chance had come and it was time to do something.

Olive Halpin made the call 6 months later and now we are going to make it happen.

More info on out web site:www.buildingofhope.org

TO ALL IRISH PEOPLE,

2010-12-19T12:25:00.000Z

Hallo all of you!!!!! "This is from Migombani, in Mombasa, Kenya"

Well, it has been quite some time since we communicated with you.

First, I would like to take this opportunity to honour our Heavenly
Father for the gift of time, and each and every second of life that
'HE' gives All of us its sure precious and profound.

We the Migombani Christians thank the LORD for you all Irish people and especially those who shared their precious time and resources in making the Polytechnic what it is today.

Particularly, we recognise your exemplary executive team who work tirelessly to make your dreams of assisting the needy in Africa come true.
A BIG THANK YOU, to you all, you are all great people with good hearts, you mean so much to us.

Now, I believe many of you have been wondering what became of the polytechnic that you generously build for us. All has been well and we have worked tirelessly in conjunction with our Parish Priests Fr. Sean, Fr. Fred and of course the overall Fr. Martin Keane. I want to break the ice by informing you that, the Principal is in place at the Polytechnic and he is doing a fantastic job with 30 students now training for Information Technology (I.T) it is so wonderful that it is all systems go studying computers at the Polytechnic.

Currently, we are recruiting a qualified Tailoring/Dress making
Instructor / Teacher and we have received a few applications. We have
Done many adverts for same and it is our hope that, the tailoring
(Diploma course) kicks up after Christmas holidays because of the many
Students who are enquiring on the start date for Tailoring/Dress making course. The plan is that, when the tailoring students are in place, they will
Start by preparing the order sheets, mattress covers and school uniforms for the school for the blind. It will be a very busy time for all those who will be involved. This really lifts out spirits to remember that were it not for your generosity towards the Migombani Community at large, this could not have happened. I feel obliged to say once again THANKS A MILLION DEAR FRIENDS.

After that brief note, it is our sincere hope and prayer that the
LORD ALMIGHTY will continue being faithful to all of you and will enable you to come back for your second PROJECT at the school for the blind. Can’t wait to see you all once again! The re-union will definitely have a good impact because this time round most of us will meet some familiar faces.
God bless you very much and more so May the LORD bless the work of your hands.

On behalf of Migombani Christians,

Lucy Mwaura

Photo Exhibition Dunnes Stores Mall, Ennis, Co Clare

2010-09-02T13:35:00.000+01:00

A very successful photo exhibition was held in Ennis on 26th. and 27th. August, 2010. We were privileged to have home with us in Co Clare Leon our photographer from South Africia and he attended the exhibition and met many of the volunteers who took part in the 2010 project in Mombasa. We also brought the exhibition to Lissycasey church where again many of the volunteers and locals turned up to show their support. Fr. Martin who is currently home on holidays at this time celebrated Mass and met the local volunteers from Lissycasey. The exhibition gave the people of Clare an opportunity to see at first hand the work of the volunteers and view photos of the completed building in Migombani. The final leg of the exhibition will be in Fr. Martin's home parish of Cranny, Co. Clare on Sunday, 5th. September where Fr. Martin will again celebrate Mass in his home parish and get an opportunity to meet with the Cranny volunteers.

Thank You from Migombani

2010-04-02T19:28:00.000+01:00

Hallo people of Ireland,
How have all of you been doing since you left Migombani - Mombasa, Kenya?
I hope and believe that all of you have been well and that you didn't have any problem body-wise for the hard work you did in Migombani.
Anyway, we have been out of communication but I want to break the silence, by saying that we were very grateful for your sacrifice in building the wonderful Polytechnic for us.

To be sincere, this Polytechnic will always remind us of your kindness and generosity to the needy, you really built a lot of HOPE in so many people, in kiswahili we say:- "Mulinjenga Matumeini kwa watu wengi". In deed, the community and people of Migombani can not find a better word to express their appreciation for your sacrifice. All we can say and do is to continue praying for you people of Ireland, that our HEAVENLY FATHER, may open the gates of blessings to you so that you may continue with the good work of helping the needy.

Surely, we cannot forget to send special thanks to your humbled Bishop Willy, Fr. John, Jim, Dr. Rory, Maureen, Ann and of course the Project Co-odinator Madam Olive to mention but a few. All in all, you are just wonderful people humbled like your Bishop Willy, and you do not know how much we miss you.

The Polytechnic has been rather quiet with Mr. Mwangi doing a few chores here and there. When we look at our Nursery school Kids, they are very confortable all because of you, they have mosquito nets on the windows, fans in classes, not forgetting the painting- with this we ask the good "LORD" to remember all of you in a big and special way, blessings in abundance.

We hope to keep in touch and even long to see you again. We love and miss you and hope the "BOND" created between you and us will last for ever and ever. May be I will get a few email addresses of the project commettee members so that you can chat..
For now I have Simon Sunguri's email which is :-[ ssunguri@yahoo.com] Lucy's is:- [mwauralu@yahoo.com.]
ONCE AGAIN GOD BLESS YOU ALL IN ABUNDANCE,
Bye for now
Lucy Mwaura

Easter Message

2010-04-02T17:20:00.000+01:00

Sisters and Brothers,

My warmest greetings and good wishes to each of you from Mombasa, Kenya. As I write this I can picture so many faces of you the volunteers who came to Mombasa with the Building of Hope in January/February this year. As I conjure up so many memories I also warmly remember the thousands of supporters for the Volunteers and the project who gave us so much help. It was just an unbelievable experience for so many.

“We plant seeds that one day will grow

We water seeds already planted

Knowing that they hold future promise

We cannot do everything .... This enables us to do something and do it very well ..

We may never see the end results.....but we are prophets of a future not our own”

This is part of a prayer by Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador written a short time before he was assassinated 30 years ago for his stand on justice and human rights.

Those who came and the many who supported them must know that in the above quoted prayer you are prophets of a future not yours but for sure a future for our many young people. You have brought the parish of Migombani and the young people a bright new Easter gift......to help them rise from their poverty to a new life of Hope.

As I most sincerely thank each and every one of you who came to Mombasa and the many many supporters, parishes, and of course the leaders of the Building of Hope: - our good and dear Bishop Willie, Olive Halpin, James Lynch, Maureen McCarthy, Ann McGrath and Dr. Rory O’Keeffe,and Dr Tony Cox. I wish each of you the Peace and Joy of Easter. Be happy knowing you have done a wonderful work never to be forgotten. You have truly made “the kingdom” (of God) present for so many.

Go raibh mile mile maith agaibh...............................Asanteni sana

Fr Martin Keane

Mombasa